Statement of Philosophy
Mt. View Preschool philosophy is predicated on the belief that children
- grow toward self-reliance and healthy independence
- develop positive feelings of self-worth and inner-strength
- learn to interact with others, respecting their rights and feelings
- learn to solve problems and resolve conflicts by expressing their feelings in appropriate ways, and
- grow toward physical, emotional, social, intellectual and spiritual maturity....
in an atmosphere of free play, with emphasis on freedom with responsibility, and under the guidance of caring adults who help children learn to make decisions and accept consequences for their actions, as they explore and find joy in learning about the world around them.
Mission Statement
Mt. View Preschool strives:
To facilitate and foster the growth and development of young children physically, emotionally, socially and intellectually in a happy, safe and nurturing environment that encourages individuality, self discovery, cooperation, inquisitiveness and respect for themselves, others and their surroundings, through developmentally appropriate activities.
To provide support, education and acceptance within our diverse community of parents and staff while inspiring personal fulfillment for all the lives we touch.
- September 1995
Beliefs
Freedom with Limits
Rights with Responsibility
- Children first have the need to develop feelings of trust, security and confidence before they are truly free to explore, create and discover.
- Children need to develop the social skills critical for positive relationships with others. Engaging and interacting, gaining friendships; and the interpersonal skills of respecting the rights and feelings of others and conflict resolutions.
- Children need to feel safe and supported in their learning by caring and nurturing adults.
- Activities need to be geared to meet the developmental needs of young children (emotional, social, physical and cognitive) as they grow toward their optimum potential.
- Structuring the environment for spontaneous and creative play allows competencies in children to be nurtured and enhanced. This spontaneous learning process allows children to freely explore and discover their expanding world.
- Children need to move and play naturally to build up the motor control centers of their brains.
- Interactive language is critical for brain development in young children. Children need to talk as well as listen in order to make sense of their world. They also need to be honestly listened to as well. They need to express feelings, organize thoughts and ideas, plan, set goals and resolve problems verbally.
- Good stories and literature can provide direction and incentives as a means of inviting children to play, read, create, draw, write, listen and ponder. They can also provide opportunities to integrate learning in all areas of the classroom.
- Children need to be actively involved in their learning. We should provide them with opportunities to ask questions, make decisions, search for meaning, be absorbed, engage in conversation, solve problems and resolve their conflicts.
- There is a difference between acquiring skills and fostering intellectual growth.